Thursday, December 17, 2015

'Tis the season for all things festive, and New Frontiers has the skinny on how to celebrate Christmas in South Africa's Winelands. Jene Barnes posted a delectable guide to Christmas Day lunch in the Winelands on the New Frontiers' Agent Zone. This is just a preview of the kind of local knowledge and insider tips available in the "Know Your Hood" section on the Zone. If you're hoping to book a table for Christmas 2015, you're probably out of luck so now's the time to start planning for the festive season 2016!

Book a table with family and friends at one of these venues for a delectable Christmas Day lunch in the Winelands.

Christmas at the Grande Roche, Paarl
Spoil yourself with a culinary banquet this Christmas at Grande Roche Hotel's Bosman’s Restaurant. Situated in Paarl in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this modern hotel eatery will take diners on a gastronomic adventure with a five-course Christmas Eve dinner menu and a Christmas Day buffet menu jam-packed with decadent dishes and festive delights. Patrons can relax on the terrace while enjoying the sweeping views and dining on delectable treats.

Cost: To be finalised. Booking is essential and can be made by calling 27 (0) 21 863 5100. Do note that dietary requirements must be stated upon booking.

Christmas at Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
Celebrate Christmas in Stellenbosch this year at one of the Cape Wineland’s oldest establishments. The Spier Wine Farm is pulling out all the stops and corks for a festive experience to cater to all pockets, times and tastes. Kicking off the merry-making on Christmas Eve with a special dinner for hotel guests, the Stellies-based farm is also offering a delectable Christmas Day lunch at its lauded Eight Restaurant.

Cost: Prices vary and booking is essential. Pre-payment is required to confirm the reservation and a 100% cancellation fee will apply.Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
This year’s Christmas lunch menu is one not to be missed. A generous buffet that offers something for everyone, from vegetarians to meat lovers, this exploration of tastes is one that has become synonymous with Lanzerac’s offerings. With traditional South African Christmas feast options, the festive season at Lanzerac is bound to be one that the whole family will enjoy. The menu comprises of a cold, plated starter and a soup station, as well as cold trimmings, a carvery, hot food and dessert buffets.

Cost: from R528 per head (which includes the service fee, as well as a gift from the kitchen). For reservations, call 021 887 1132.

Christmas Day at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Paarl
A special Christmas themed picnic basket will be available on Christmas Day for only R200 which will be ideal for two people to share while sitting on the lawns of Rhebokskloof Wine Estate enjoying the majestic views of the Paarl Mountain range. Wine can be bought from the cellar doors at a small increase in the price.
Additionally, the restaurant at Rhebokskloof will be hosting a traditional Christmas lunch buffet on Christmas Day. A selection of soups, salads, seafood dishes & roasts are available with a range of delicious desserts to choose from as well.

Cost: Adults from R395 per head, with children under 12 years being able to join for R175. Kids under 5 years can eat for free.

Christmas Day Lunch Buffet at Hazendal Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
For a festive family meal make a merry meander into the Boland Winelands for a scrumptious Cape Christmas lunch buffet at the Hazendal Wine Estate. With a sumptuous spread of firm favourites like Roasted Leg of Lamb with a Merlot red wine jus and Smoked Gammon and delectable delights like a Chocolate Fountain and Hummingbird Cake, this is a feast fit for the whole family. Relax to the sound of a live pianist, while the kids entertain themselves on the estate’s rolling lawns, the jumping castle and playground.

Cost: Lunch costs R385p/p for adults and children under 12 dine for R192p/p; drinks are for patrons’ own account. The festive feast will be served from 12pm to 3pm and booking is essential.